Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave is a historic sea cave beneath The Cave Store at 1325 Coast Blvd in La Jolla, San Diego. Enter through the shop, then follow a tunnel and staircase down to a platform overlooking the Pacific. The cave’s opening frames the ocean, and you may spot sea lions or kayakers below. The visit is brief, so it fits well with a walk along the nearby coast. Take care on the damp steps and where the tunnel ceiling is low.
A tunnel cut into the rock
The entrance to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave is inside The Cave Store on Coast Boulevard. From there, a narrow tunnel and staircase lead down through the rock to the cave. The passage was dug in the early 1900s by workers hired by Gustav Schultz, who owned the property above it. Accounts describe the work as being done with picks and shovels over a period of two years.
The tunnel gave people a way to reach the cave from land. Sunny Jim is the only one of La Jolla’s seven sea caves accessible by land through such a passage; the others are reached from the water. The name comes from the shape of the cave opening, which resembles Sunny Jim, a cartoon character popular around the time the tunnel was made. Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz, is associated with the name in accounts of the cave.
At the cave opening
The route ends at a platform inside the cave. From there, you can look out toward the ocean and watch the water move through the opening. The cave’s walls carry the sound of the sea, and kayakers may pass outside. Sea lions sometimes rest on nearby rocks, though wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
The tunnel is dimly lit, and parts of it have low ceilings. Steps can be wet, so use the railing and take your time, particularly on the way down. The space at the bottom is small, and the visit is short. It is an unusual way to see the coastline from inside a sea cave, rather than a long underground walk.
Fitting it into a La Jolla visit
The Cave Store is on Coast Boulevard, close to La Jolla Cove. After visiting the cave, you can continue along the nearby Coast Walk. Ocean Trails is also within walking distance, and Brockton Villa is a nearby lunch option mentioned in connection with the route.
The shop sells souvenirs including shells, jewelry and postcards, as well as cold drinks and ice cream. The cave entrance is accessed through the store, so allow a little time for the shop and any wait to enter. Lines can build on weekends because access is limited at a time; an early visit can help you avoid the busiest period. Street parking may be difficult on weekends, with paid parking structures nearby.
FAQ
Where is Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave?
The entrance is inside The Cave Store at 1325 Coast Blvd in La Jolla, San Diego.
How do you get into the cave?
Enter through The Cave Store and follow the tunnel and staircase down to a platform inside the cave.
How long does a visit take?
The cave visit is brief, around 15 to 30 minutes, with extra time needed if you browse the shop or wait to enter.
Are there steps or safety considerations?
Yes. The route uses a staircase, with damp steps and low ceilings in places. Hold the railing and take care as you descend.
